ON FRONT PAG E N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A , A L P S A N D H I G H CO U N T RY
JUNE 10 - 16, 2016
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MIGHTY MINI: Fully open Mini complete with John Cooper Works go-faster bits. What more could you ask for in motoring excitement?
JCW Mini convertible flies downunder
HOT on the heels of the announcement of the standard convertible versions of the third generation Mini comes information on the hottest of them all - the John Cooper Works (JCW). Powered by a highly tuned version of the Mini 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, the JCW unit produces 170 kW of power between 5200 and 6000 revs, and 320 Nm of torque that’s on tap all the way from 1250 to 4800rpm. Sitting beside the engine is a six-speed sports automatic transmission that can be overridden by paddle shifters. A six-speed manual is available. As a sign of the times the manual is optional, at no extra charge.
By EWAN KENNEDY With the automatic transmission the Mini Convertible’s zero to 100 km/h time is 6.5 seconds. On track or in the Northern Territory it can be pushed out to a top speed of 240 km/h. Dynamic Damper Control and an electronic differential lock (EDL) help tame the Mini’s engine. Naturally, there’s sports-tuned JCW suspension. The driver can choose Comfort, or optimise the system in several ways for sporty driving. Taking away the roof of any monocoque car means it has to have underbody bracing
which adds weight, albeit in the right place, that is low down. So the JCW convertible will be a little slower in acceleration but gain a fraction in handling. Only track time by a professional driver will work out the finest details. A fully-retractable soft-top technically makes this the first Mini Convertible - the previous generations have been Cabriolets, that is some portion of the roof remains in place with the top open. Fully integrated rollover protection is a major part of the safety system. The convertible roof is operated by a toggle switch that takes it from closed to fully open in 18 seconds.
Even better, the roof can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 30 km/h. But wait … there’s more. If you don’t want a fully open car, the Mini’s roof also has a sliding function making it a sort of sunroof. It opens to 400 mm and can be operated at any speed. Mini calls this a four-seat convertible and the new model has 36 mm more rear shoulder room than the outgoing Cabriolet. There’s 112 mm more rear elbow room and 36 mm added knee room. We’ve yet to drive a new Mini convertible so can’t comment on whether we feel it’s a four-seater or really a two-plus-two.
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June 10 - 16 | 2016
For the dreamers:
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso unveiled
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
THE Italian word ‘lusso’ translates into ‘luxury’ in English so Ferrari Australia’s choice of a multi-million dollar Sydney harbourside mansion as the venue for the southern hemisphere debut of its equally luxurious new GTC4 Lusso couldn’t have been more appropriate. Among the dignitaries at the launch was Flavio Manzoni, senior vice president of design at Ferrari who penned the original sketches of the Lusso. He had previously worked on a range of models including the F12 Berlinetta and California T. The GTC4 Lusso replaces the previous Ferrari FF, so named because it has four seats and four-wheel drive. Sensibly, the addition of four-wheel steering didn’t lead to the newcomer being called the FFF. Although they’re often frowned upon by Ferrari purists four-seat versions have been around since 1960 when the first mainstream production model, the 250 GT/E, was launched. This and most subsequent models were really only 2+2s with the rear seats only suited to emergency use or short-distance trips – certainly not for comfortable grand touring. Cue the GTC4 Lusso nee FF. At just under five metres long (a lot of which is bonnet) and nearly two metres wide Lusso is a big vehicle and once rear seat passengers overcome the inconvenience of entering through the front doors there’s pretty good space in the beautifully sculpted and finished individual seats, that’s despite a slight reduction in the car’s height. Boot capacity is a useful 450 litres. While clearly an evolution of the FF the styling of Lusso has been updated at the front with a larger front grille, new air vents
GTC4 LUSSO: It is the latest and greatest grand tourer from Ferrari. and headlights. The most noticeable change comes at the rear where, in line with the shooting brake name that Ferrari has adopted, the car has a squarer, more wagon-like shape featuring a pair of high-mounted twin round taillights. There’s also a small spoiler embedded into the rear of the roof line to improve the car’s aerodynamics. The interior of the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso oozes class with high quality materials, very Italian styling, a beautifully sculpted dashboard, electronic dials and a complex steering wheel that resembles that of a Formula 1 car. The dashboard is right up to date in terms of infotainment technology with a 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen located in the centre of the dashboard that can be customised according to show preferred features.
There’s even a second, narrow touchscreen directly in front of the front passenger that displays speed, engine revolutions, current gear, G-force and navigation as well as allowing music selection. The jury of drivers is still out on this interesting innovation. GTC4 Lusso is powered by an upgraded version of the 6.3-litre V12 naturallyaspirated engine used in the FF. Power has been increased from 650 to 690 horsepower (507 kW) at 8000 rpm and torque from 683 to 697 Newton metres, at a marginally lower 5750 revs but with 80 per cent available at 1750 revs. The big Ferrari can skip over the zero to 100 km/h sprint in just 3.4 seconds on the way, if you’re travelling in the Northern Territory, to a top speed of 335 km/h. Harnessing all this thrust is the new Ferrari-patented 4RM-S four-wheel drive
and four-wheel steering system that integrates and controls the 4RM power transfer until, the rear-wheel steering, E-Diff and active damping. Announcing prices up-front at the launch of cars in this class is generally considered to be a bit vulgar but Ferrari must have been sorely tempted to do so in this case because a cut of nearly $50,000 from the outgoing FF ($624,646) to the new GTC4 Lusso ($578,888) is quite significant. You could buy a high quality daily commuter with the saving. Ferrari Australia has been taking orders, 45 to date, since the GTC4 Lusso was launched in March at the Geneva Motor Show although the first deliveries won’t arrive until early next year. We’re hoping to spend some time behind the wheel when a test vehicle travels around our capital cities and will report on it then, can’t wait.
JCW Mini convertible flies downunder From page 1
OPEN ROAD: The new mini convertible is perfect for touring.
The latest open-top Mini has 45 litres more luggage capacity than the old. Infotainment is by way of a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon HiFi; DAB radio; Mini Navigation System Professional, including 8.8-inch screen, 3D maps, touchpad controller, voice recognition and a 20 GB hard drive. Mini JCW Convertible has sports seats trimmed in Carbon Black ‘cloth/dinamica’ upholstery. There are JCW-specific door sills, gearlever, instrumentation and stainless steel sports pedals. It comes as no surprise that the tradition of personalisation is very much alive and well in the new JCW. One of our favourites is a Mini Yours soft-top with embroidered Union Jack-look finish. This can be complemented with a huge range of interior and exterior customising items. Priced from $54,900 plus onroad charges, the all-new Mini JCW Convertible will be available from dealers early in June.
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June 10 - 16 | 2016
At a Glance NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LEXUS DEALER FOR DRIVEAWAY PRICES.
RX350 Luxury 3.5-litre petrol fivedoor wagon: $80,000 (automatic)
RX350 F-Sport 3.5-litre petrol fivedoor wagon: $92,000 (automatic)
RX350 Sports Luxury 3.5-litre petrol fivedoor wagon: $98,000 (automatic)
LEXUS RX: Huge grille and sleek profile of the latest model range make a real statement.
Going the distance the new RX350 Lexus
By EWAN KENNEDY
IN the Lexus naming system the letter ‘X’ stands for cross country. Not cross country as we understand it in Australia which means off-road work, but cross country in European speak; a vehicle suited to long distance on-road running. Grand touring with a little less emphasis on speed. Lexus RX is the midsize model in the range, sitting between the NX which is an on-road wagon and the LX which is a big beast, basically a Toyota LandCruiser with body mods and heaps more luxury bits. The fourth generation of the RX was launched in Australia just in time for Christmas last year, is virtually all-new, and we understand quite a few lucky owners got theirs as a gift. Lucky so and so’s. Australian imports come in a staggering range of models, with a turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, a naturally aspirated petrol V6 and petrol-electric hybrids. Our week’s test was in the model shaping up to be the biggest seller, the RX 350. Big grilles are all the rage at present, so Lexus has decided to have the
biggest of them all. Because there’s simply no more space at the front of the latest Lexus into which to expand a larger grille. Can’t say I like the shape of the front, but I’ve spoken to several who say it really appeals. As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In any case, I like the rest of the shape of the RX. The rear takes its cue from the front grille’s shape with a profile which is angular, yet sleek and does tie in with the two ends of the car neatly. I also appreciate the fact that Lexus is keen to get away from its previously conservative image. Human Machine Interface ensures operation and display zones are kept separate for easy access while on the move. We would prefer less driver distraction as its operation can be fiddly at times. As always, we delighted in the 15-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The entry-level RX 200t has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic.
It drives only through the front wheels to keep down the weight and price. All-wheel drive is used in the 3.5-litre V6 we tested. Its engine puts out 221 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque and is good for a zero to 100 time of 9.2 seconds. Topping the engine lineup is the V6 3.5-litre in the RX 450h hybrid. It’s the quickest of the range, with the big-torque assistance provided by the electric motor getting it to 100 km/h in a very sporting 7.7 seconds. The entire Lexus RX Line features the company’s Safety System+, which incorporates active cruise control, precollision safety system, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, sway control, and so-called blind spot monitoring. Rear cross traffic alert and LED headlamps add to the impressive safety package. Should things still go seriously wrong, there are 10 airbags, including a pair for the front occupants’ knees. Up to five occupants can be seated in a cabin that provides comfort and calm, as only Lexus can do. The longer wheelbase in this new-
generation RX adds legroom in the back and there’s stretch out room for four adults. Quality materials and craftsmanship are everywhere and the feeling of sitting in the lap of luxury is most pleasant. The new Lexus RX 350 has Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) which improves the ride by controlling all four dampers according to road conditions and the manner in which the vehicle is being driven. Drive Mode Select can be used to put the AVS system into Sport S+ mode for a sportier drive. Lexus appears to be avoiding a direct sports SUV challenge with the big-three Germans. The handling of the RX 350 is certainly competent, but even in S+ mode it doesn’t give the involvement and driving feel of Audi, BMW and Mercedes. But feel the Lexus’ serenity… VERDICT Out-there styling disguises the fact that the Lexus RX 350 provides exceptional calmness and pleasantness in the way it transports four adults on long country drives in the Australian countryside. It really does set the standards for its class in this important aspect of luxury transpiration.
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June 10 - 16 | 2016
CLASSIFIEDS 2001 Jayco Hawk, 25th Anniversary model, Queen size bed one end and double the other, table folds down for extra bed, 3-way fridge, 4 gas burner stove top with grill and oven underneath. Full annexe in excellent condition. Great family van. $12,800 negotiable. Wa n g a r a t t a . P h 0411 250 510. ONSITE caravan and full size solid annexe at Porepunkah Bridge Caravan Park, includes toilet, room for 6, fridge, microwave, a/c, all cooking needs, glass sliding and security doors, was $10,500, now $8500. A home away from home. Ph 0409 140 836 for inspection.
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SSANGYONG 4x4 dual cab ute, 2007 build, low 150,000km, very economical with loads of power and comfortable ride, new battery and tyres, ute in VGC, (UTE014), priced for quick sale $6,100. Ph 0403 943 237.
VE Commodore Omega Series 11 V6, 6 speed auto, rego till December 29, 2016, (YTZ971), excellent condition, 94,000km, serviced every 10,000km, service book and manual, $12,500 ono. Ph 0400 321 567. 4.3 metre Tabs Cruise Craft, 58lb thrust electric motor and 30hp Suzuki outboard with electric start, full carpet, live bait tank, side console. 3 years old, as new, $12,500. Ph 5721 4889 B/H.
FORD WT Fiesta LX hatch 2012, auto, excellent condition, reg. servicing, 45,000km with chip protector, colour Phantom Blue, (YZR003) registered until March 2017, ex. sound system, $11,900, one only lady driver. Ph 5727 0455 or 0400 058 908.
MITSUBISHI Lancer 2002 GLi sedan, aircon, power steering, good condition, great first car, reg February 2017 (RHO637), $2500 as is. Ph 5722 2830. DUST collector, 1979 2011 Nissan Navara, 250cc Suzuki twin, 1 5 2 , 0 0 0 k m s , n ew roadbike, 6 speed clutch, new injectors, gearbox, needs cleanup, NISSAN Navara D40 heavy duty suspension, good condition, selling (STX 550) hard lid, (ZZA122), $22,000 ono. - wife, $2000. Ph 0403 425 593. silver, good condition, Ph 0447 926 805. comes with black or chrome sports bar, $700 classifieds@nemedia.com.au ono. Ph 0412 247 690.
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TOYOTA Hilux 2000 ute, 2.7 inj, petrol, manual 2 dr 2wd. Great condition, fglass canopy, 184,000km, rego to Nov (TWE238), $6850. Ph Kirk 0414 376 965.
2010 Hyundai Getz S, 51,000 kms, 5 door hatchback, 4 cylinder, 4 speed auto, 1.4lt, airbags, bluetooth. Reg. January 2017 (1AY2OE), RWC. $7500. Phone 0422 372 280.
HONDA VTR 250 2006 V-twin, registered, always serviced, V.G.C, Ventura, black windscreen, reliable, very economical, $3200 ono, (FC363). Ph 0424 580 025.
We’ll make your boat go faster 2013 Subaru XV 2.0iL (up market model), in as new condition, 23,000km, always garaged, automatic, tinted windows, alloy wheels, towbar (used twice), reg (AAM959), $23,000. Ph 5721 4677.
1984 Toyota H J 6 0 L a n d c r u i s e r, 480,000km, in really good condition, work done to the motor, (1EY1SM), $5000. Phone Tenny on 0400 232 760.
HOLDEN VZ Commodore 6 litre 6 speed gear box plus VE HSV gear shifter, gear knob and boot, $1000 ono. Ph 0412 247 690.
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